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Otago opening batsman Aaron Redmond hopes to add to the family legacy after being named in the Black Caps test squad.
His father Rodney became part of New Zealand cricket folk lore when the tall opening batsman scored a century on debut against Pakistan but never played a test for his country again. The aggressive left-hander had trouble adjusting to new contact lenses on the following tour of England and lost form.
Thirty-five years later Aaron has a chance to right those wrongs for the family. The 28-year-old right-hander is the latest first-class player to tumble through the revolving door as the Black Caps look to shore up their troublesome top order ahead of their tour of England later this month.
And no one was more surprised than Redmond. "It is something you always dream about, but it has definitely come as a surprise. My initial goals were hopefully to get the opportunity later down the track. But to get the call [on Saturday] and be told it has come a little bit earlier, it just wasn't in my wildest dreams.
"It's one thing getting the chance - now I've got to make the most of the opportunity."
Convenor of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee phoned Redmond at his family home in Perth to give him the good news. Redmond had planned to visit family in Perth for a week before heading on to England to play cricket during the New Zealand winter.
But his selection has meant a change of travel plans and he will return to New Zealand later this week to begin preparations for the test series.
Being at home when the call came allowed him to share a special moment with his father. "A big smile came over his face and he chucked out his hand to congratulate me and opened up a bottle of red wine to celebrate."
Redmond won selection on the back of consistent form for Otago in the past few seasons. While he averages a touch over 31 in first-class cricket, since joining Otago for the 2004/05 season Redmond has scored 1741 runs at an average of 41.45.
He was given the opportunity to open for Otago this season and scored 447 runs at an average of 40.63, including one 100.
The moment was also "bitter sweet". While he got the nod, Otago captain and former test opener Craig Cumming missed selection.
"I'm great friends with Craig and he has played some awesome cricket this year and is a great player.
"I'm sure it won't stop him. You have your good and bad times in cricket and I know he'll bounce back."
Otago coach Mike Hesson said Redmond was a technically correct player who was well-equipped to play pace bowling.
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
